The Second Son of The Marquis Runs Away from Home ~ Lacking Talent, He Abandons Everything and Becomes an Adventurer ~ - 27

Chapter 27: Shoes of Soil

Fulde’s words caused a stir among the crowd, excluding the Emperor and the knights with titles. Without waiting for the commotion to die down, Fulde continued.

“Your infamous reputation has reached this country! You’re the irresponsible man who abandoned his own country, dumping all his responsibilities on his brother, Bardle Grantos! And now you claim that such a person not only helped Arseria but also possesses something on par with the Imperial Regalia? With that shabby sword, you dare to tell such lies!”

“…I’ll let go of my insignificant rumors for now.”

My voice turned unnaturally cold. I addressed the unpleasant presence before me, who was becoming more apparent with every passing moment.

“So, are you outright denying Arseria’s story?”

In response to my question, Fulde furrowed his brows even deeper and glared at me.

“Arseria is a kind-hearted lady. She was probably cornered while fighting that monster, and you just swooped in and stole the credit! She must have thought you were assisting her!”

Fulde’s words prompted Aria to stand up impulsively, but I restrained her with my hand.

“…Is that all you have to say?”

“What?”

“Whether you deny Arseria’s story outright and insult me unilaterally, is that the extent of it?”

Fulde struggled to put into words what he had done.

“Is it fitting for a knight of the Mildrea Empire to insult a guest and interfere with the Emperor’s conversation? As a person, not even as a knight, how do you justify your actions?”

“You…!”

Just as Fulde was about to raise his voice, the ground beneath him split with a sound like a blade cutting through air.

“Silence, Fulde.”

The Emperor’s voice resonated, sending forth an overwhelming pressure that far exceeded what we had felt before. She looked down at Fulde with eyes that seemed to see everything.

“I invited this man as a guest. Your attitude towards our guest is tarnishing Mildrea’s dignity. Do you understand that you are besmirching my face?”

“But…!”

“Be careful with your response. Depending on it, your head and body may part ways.”

“I-I apologize for my rash behavior!”

Fulde knelt down on the spot and offered an apology. He looked far from the confident man he had been moments ago.

“…Your punishment will be decided later. Take him into custody.”

Other knights quickly restrained Fulde, and he glared at me with eyes filled with disdain. It seemed he had no intention of changing his mind.

(If that’s how it is…)

“Your Majesty, may I speak now?”

“Go ahead.”

“I would like the reward I mentioned earlier to be prepared immediately.”

The Emperor raised an eyebrow at my request, while Aria looked at me with a puzzled expression. Ignoring her, I addressed the Emperor.

“…Whether it can be prepared depends on the nature of the reward.”

“Yes, I would like you to arrange a stage where I can demonstrate my abilities, along with the power of this weapon.”

“A stage?”

My request seemed to catch the Emperor off guard for a moment, but she soon prompted me to continue.

“However many words I may speak, it won’t prove that my power and achievements are genuine. Therefore, it would be better to provide a stage where I can demonstrate my abilities and prove the truth.”

“I see. In that case, we need to determine the specifics.”

“The battle I suggested earlier, a one-on-one duel, would suffice. How about it? Given that I could make such a proclamation in front of this many people, my skills must be considerable, don’t you think?”

“Hmm… Very well, Fulde, you will accept this one-on-one duel. Refuse, and I will personally sever your head.”

“V-very well! I accept the one-on-one duel!”

“Then, I will grant you both half an hour to prepare. Use that time to get ready for the duel. The rest of you, prepare the location.”

The Emperor’s words were met with resolute responses as those in the room quickly left. I was guided by one of the knights to a room for preparation…